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How I felt about it. This curious movie places gloomy gus Daniell in the romantic lead, and he is the film's true lead although Karloff lands top billing. Bela Lugosi (a.k.a. Dracula) is also billed highly, but has only a minor role as a snooping and rather stupid blackmailer.
Karloff is very good as the charming yet ultimately evil coachman, who craves respect from Daniell and his earnest young assistant (Russell Wade). But it is not just Karloff's position, but also his subtly menacing manner and behavior, that alienates him from those who desires to supper with. Daniell's frustration with the persistent Karloff leads to a series of escalating confrontations, with a couple of surprises along the way. You know who gets the last laugh.
Wade plays an interesting character. Obviously, he means well, and his soul is incorruptible. But he hasn't got much willpower, and readily accedes to Daniell's requests, even when they are likely to get him into trouble.
The Body Snatcher is technically a horror movie, because of its casting, title, ending, and themes. However, like many so-called horror movies, its true identity is a black comedy.
Dark humor is mined from Karloff's bantering of Daniell, who is too prickly to brush off the unwanted attention. Daniell's intensity also extends to his relationship with his wife. He settles one discussion with the observation, "You're a fey creature, Meg, with mad ideas. You have a wildness that holds me to you, my lass." With lines like that, who needs Shakespeare?
The comedy extends to Wade's regular but naive submission to the requests of others, and to Legosi's visit to Karloff's humble abode, where Legosi's ill-considered attempt at blackmail clearly amuses his shrewd and amoral host.
How others will see it. Classic movie fans, particularly those who like period pieces in jolly old England, will appreciate this cerebral horry entry.